Page:The lay of the Nibelungs; (IA nibelungslay00hortrich).pdf/375

XXVIII.]

“’Tis rather you, who tidings to me should give: to wit,

The Nibelungen treasure, what have ye done with it?

It was mine own possession, and that right well you knew:

’Twas this ye should have brought me to Etzel’s land with you.”

“I’ faith, my Lady Kriemhild, ’tis now full many a day

Since when at my disposal the Niblung treasure lay;

At bidding of my masters ’was sunk in the Rhine-tide:

There till the Day of Judgment, in sooth, it may abide.”

Then spake the queen in answer: “’Tis even as I thought!

Right little of it have you for me to this land brought,

Although ’twas mine, and whilom within my power it lay;

Since when I’ve spent thereover full many a dreary day.”

“The devil a bit I bring you!” Sir Hagen fell to swear:

“I have my shield to carry, and that’s enough to bear,

Together with my mail-coat; my helm’s a trifling thing,

My sword I have in hand though, so naught for you I bring.”

Thereon the queen spake loudly unto those warriors all:

“Let no man any weapon carry into the hall;

Give them to me, ye heroes, I’ll keep them safe for you!”

“Nay, by my troth,” cried Hagen, “that will we never do!

“I covet not the honour, gentle princess and fair,

That thou unto the hostel my shield thyself shouldst bear.

Nor other of my weapons: thou hast a queen become;

So taught me not my father; I will be chambergroom.”